Wow, has it been over 2 weeks? Why, Yes. Yes it has! Thats a long time not to post. For the last week and a half, I blame the Olympics. I'm a total Olympics nut, especially the first part of the Summer Games and the swimming competitions. And how about that Michael Phelps? Holy Cow, that boy ain't real. For me personally, my current swimming crush is backstroker Aaron Piersall. There's just something about his laid back demeanor and absolute cool. He didn't repeat as the gold medalist in both backstroke events this time, but he still came away with 2 golds, and 1 silver...and oh yeah, My Heart!! LOL If I can find a picture of him, I'll insert it into this post.

Next up for my screentime totals project is Season 2. I was hoping to have that underway, but once again...Olympics! Hopefully, I'll be able to start that next week. I wanted to be done completely before S8 rolls around, but alas...Which reminds me, I'd love to have a place where all the data is posted, including the specifics of each episode. I figure since I did all the work, I might as well put it out there for everyone to look at it if they have any interest. Anyone have any suggestions for a good place to post that? It doesn't seem to be a good fit for my journal.

Renovations are completely done on the house. It looks awesome! I'm glad to be done with contractors for the time being.

I'm so completely BUMMED out about the lack of promo pics for Smallville and Supernatural. A bit less for Supernatural, because I love the show but I don't LOVE the show quite the same way I do for Smallville. Its like my relationship with Supernatural is fun, and easy, and full of laughs, but ultimately its not very deep. With Smallville, its more like my relationship with the show is complicated, and passionate, and aggravating, and frustrating beyond words. But it stirs me up like nothing else.

Anyway, I completely loathe the CW for not doing a few freaking promo pics. We had nothing significant for SV last season, and since there's so much turnover with the cast, and this may very well be the last year, you would think they could splurge for something, at least. Its bad enough that we almost never get a glimpse of Tom Welling outside of seeing him on the show. I guess I'm just really sad and disappointed at the complete LACK of anything promotional for the show. Yes, I understand the rationale. I get that the CW is financially strapped, I get that they are only interested in one demo, and so they direct all their attention towards shows aimed at that dynamic. But the reality is that SV and SPN have been strong, solid performers for them with no support at all, and SV is likely to end this season (my feeling is that SPN won't make it another year either). You would think that would merit something.

Also, why aren't the new showrunners out there pimping SV harder? I get that they're busy, but with the complete lack of support from the network, you would think they'd be out there giving soundbytes to any comic book geek website they could. It stirs up interest for them, but doesn't cost them a thing. And while we know Tom Welling would rather put fireants on his eyeballs then promote the show, I'm also surprised at how completely invisible the entire SV cast has been in any sort of media/net outlet. Erica Durance has been nowhere, and that suprises me from her because she's usually such a trooper.

And I'll admit it.....even though I love him dearly, and I still want him to be my BabyDaddy, and I think he's amazing and talented and is the biggest reason that SV has lasted 8 years...I do think it sort of sucks that Tom can't be bothered to make any appearance, do any interview, or even allow himself to be quoted. I understand the bad blood between him and Gough, and while Mumbo and Jumbo were in charge, I definitely understand him withdrawing from the promotion stuff. But those 2 are gone now, and this is his last year. It really wouldn't kill him to put himself out there a bit, PLUS, I think it would be beneficial to his career post-SV. If he even wants one. Truth be told, I always thought that there was a strong possibility that Tom may decide show biz is not where he wants to be once SV is over. I continue to cross my fingers that my hunch is completely wrong.

To make myself feel better, a picture (I love his hair in Zod)

And now I shall go Under the Cut for SV spoiler talk

Type your cut contents here.

My feelings on the SV spoilers is pretty mixed. I like some of the hints we are getting that Clark will be more proactive, saving strangers, working at the DP, more accepting of his powers and his ability to help people. I especially love the hints of a role reversal between him and Oliver. I've said for a long time that the only acceptable way for the Oliver character to become a regular was for Clark to take more of a leadership position in their relationship. It sounds like PS3 may have agreed with me. But unfortunately, we're also getting more 'ship bullcrap, with lots of mixed hints, which just sounds like a recipe for another season of aggravation.

For Odyssey, I'm looking forward towards Clark in the Russian work camp. I'm sort of hoping it might launch a few angsty, tortured fanfics, LOL I figured Clark would be without his powers, because if he had them, why wouldn't he have come home? And I'm also figuring he's got amnesia. I realize thats a bit of an overused plot device, but given the traumatic end of Arctic, it feels appropriate. We know that some of the JLA comes to rescue Clark, but with some of the quotes we've read, I'm also hoping that Clark may end up being instrumental in his own rescue as well. There seems to be a lot of this plot we don't know.

I can't say I really care at all about the Chloe end of this episode. The whole Chloe arrest/her powers storyline just leaves me flat, as does a potential reunion between him and Jimmy.

For Plastique, I'm looking forward to the introduction of Davis Bloome/Doomsday, and I'm hoping he's not a total bust of a character. This also looks to be the episode where Clark rescues Tess, and she looks at him like she's a starving woman and he's a lamb chop, mashed potatoes and apple pie. We have almost no intel on the Clark/Tess interactions, and I'm looking forward to them. With Tess being a Lex surrogate, I'm hoping that there's some carryover to her relationship with Clark. Not that it could ever come close to Clex, of course. But I want Clex to continue to resonate, and Tess would seem to be instrumental in that.

For Toxic, well, not much of anything. Oliver and Tess "having a past" is a bore to me, as is Oliver's backstory. And Lois revisiting her feelings for Oliver better not start up the Lollie again. I don't think there's any need for that. And JH talking about Oliver womanizing, and having many women in his life seems to suggest Lollie will not get back together. My main hope for this episode is actually that we get to see Tom Welling dressed up for the Warrior Angel premiere.

For Instinct, I just hope its better then it sounds. I initially had hope for Maxima, but now with the Fever letter being re-introduced, and Jimmy being jealous again, and Clark asking Lois if she wants to move back to the farm, and then Maxima kissing more then one guy, and using her powers to seduce Clark, which Lois walks in on, etc.....just, Blah! This episode has potential to annoy me. At lot. I think hearing that Clark would go to Chloe and ask her to investigate Maxima is what turned me off more then anything I've heard about the episode. Really? Still with this crap?

For Committed, I don't know what to think. The main plot sounds lame, and it also sounds like we'll be subjected to a lot of Chimmy, which is mind numbing in my opinion. Clark and Lois going undercover might be fun, and the kiss might be interesting, but this feels like it has a lot of potential to be mishandled. Badly! We shall see.

Then we have Prey, and while I'm excited about the return of MM, and I like that the episode sounds uber-violent, I do get a pain in my head at the possibility that Clark is going to suspect something isn't right with Davis, and Chloe is going to give Clark attitude and express total trust in the guy she met about 5 minutes ago as opposed to the superpowered guy she's known for 10 years. The same guy who is overwhelmingly right when he gets a bad feeling about someone. I see this terrible possibility for one of those horrible scenes where someone chews out Clark, or accuses him of being "just jellus". Its just not a situation I'm looking forward to. Hopefully it will play out differently. I do find it amusing that some are complaining about Chloe being dumbed down so Clark can be right about Davis. For one thing, it wouldn't be the first time Clark was right about a potential suitor, and Chloe was wrong. Also, these same people don't seem to have a problem with all the times Clark has been dumbed down, or made to look less competent so that Chloe's magical hacking abilities, or plethora of unseen contacts, or inhuman encyclopedia of knowledge could be highlighted. But letting Clark have the right hunch before Chloe? *GASP* The Humanity!!!!

Tags:

Comments

I'm avoiding most of the episode-specific spoilers for SV in order to see if it'll make me enjoy the show more, so I'm not looking at that part of your post! :)

Regarding posting all your screentimes, a community here on LJ maybe? It seems like the easiest and least problematic solution. A website would be good too, but I think you'd have to do a lot more work for that, no? I dunno. I'm completely clueless when it comes to this sort of stuff! Good luck with S2, though. I'm eager to see the results!

As for promo pics, I thought we were getting new ones this season? I'm sort of surprised they aren't out yet, but I was under the impression we were definitely getting them. It would SUCK if that wasn't true. Same for Supernatural, especially considering theirs should be MUCH easier to do, with only two lead actors.

And I'm surprised at the lack of promotion too. A lot of the other shows I follow have already started airing promos for the new season, and they all start around the same time as Supernatural and Smallville. The CW friggin' sucks. And I agree about TW too - it'd really, really help the show (and the network) if he did a bit of promotion himself. He has such a huge fan base, even with us barely being able to see his face outside of the show. Imagine how crazy we'd all go if he was actually seen in some promotional material!

I've been following the spoilers closely because I really want to believe this is going to be a good year for Clark. I get nervous at all the shippy spoilers though. Heck, I may love Clois, but for me hinting at Clois is part of the story, and not THE story. The main story should always be about Clark.

Kinda bored with every single thread being about Chloe, too.

But I'm not here to rant. I'll do that on my LJ later.

I still think the potential sounds amazing for this season. What would make it perfect is if they could get MR back to guest at some point, even if just for the finale. But I'm loving the talk about Clark being more proactive, investiagting, and stepping into a role that is more heroic, even a dual identity.

We'll see.

In other news, I was wondering what happened to you. I haven't had much Clark-centric anything popping up on my flist for the past couple of weeks ;)

And like you, I believe that the main story should always be about Clark. That doesn't mean that I don't believe there shouldn't be eps about other characters, only that the most important arc of the season be about Clark, and he takes center stage more often then not. There is no other character on this show currently that should be of equal importance, unless Lex comes back.

I do believe this coming season has potential, but I'd feel better about it if they'd give some of this 'ship stuff a major rest. After 7 years, much of it is just a drag now.

I'm actually planning a few picspams. A while back, and I did this combo thing of Clois for Lois Appreciation Week, and I promised I'd do it for other characters and relationships. I've just started working on one for Clana, and I have plans for Clex and Chlark as well.

I'm hoping it is clearly explained WHY Clark has this feeling against Davis. In Crush with Justin he saw things and put them together. So, I'm hoping that its something similar.

As for Chloe not being able to see Davis' true colors? she's human and can be blinded with the potential of finding love or a new friend. So I'm not stressing her not being able to tell he's a bad guy. Especially, when nothing points to him being a bad guy.

Whether there's proof or not, I think Chloe would be totally wrong not to at least consider what Clark has to say, even if it is only a hunch or gut feeling. She knows that he is more often then not right about this stuff, and I think she owes him and their friendship that much. I'd say the same if the situation was reversed. Just imagine if Chloe was warning Clark off some girl he just met, and he gave her attitude. Certain fans would be lighting torches and breaking out the pitchforks while screaming "BDA! BDA!" Chloe may believe Davis is just dreamy, but the reality is that she knows him for about 5 minutes compared to how well she knows Clark. I always hated when any of the girls did that crap with Clark, where they suddenly take some new guys word over Clark's. And Lana, Chloe and Lois have all done it, but at least in the past, they didn't have full disclosure on Clark. In a S8, with Chloe having complete knowledge of all things Clark, I would find it even more irritating.

I agree with you about being frustrated about the lack of TW appearances. I understand it sort of but still...You would think that if he doesn't want to promote the show, he would at least want to promote himself. I'm hoping that MAYBE we'll get a chance to see him on Regis & Kelly to promote the final season?!?

I'm also surprised at how completely invisible the entire SV cast has been in any sort of media/net outlet

I agree that I don't think we've seen as much of the SV cast as we did last year when they were pimping out Laura like no one's business, they did get significant exposure at ComicCon. I didn't realize how much until I saw our sci-fi channel's recap show for the entire Con and Smallville was one of the top billed items, with about a five minute piece done (although no S8 footage), while a lot of other shows (including SPN) and big celebrities only got 30-second soundbites.

As for spoilers, I'm really looking forward to Odyssey. Like, really. I would like it to be Sept. 18 nao pls. Otherwise, I was looking forward to Instinct until it started looking like it was just going to be Hypnotic redux with Clark being assaulted against his will again. I'm still hoping it doesn't turn out that way. Prey, however, sounds kind of cool. The rest I'll have to wait and see, but I'm not waiting with baited breath for any of them at this point.

But letting Clark have the right hunch before Chloe? *GASP* The Humanity!!!!

I know OMG! They did let him have it in Descent about Lex killing Lionel, so maybe it's a new trend? We can hope!

And you know, I'm upset that I'm sick of Chloe already. Please, show, let me like her again.

I'm glad to hear that they got some major love at ComicCon, even though the Q&A session was SO LAME.

Odyssey has some major promise. Of all the eps, its probably the one I'm most looking forward to. I just hope it isn't too rushed, which we all know SV has a major habit of doing. It seems to be that Instinct is an episode that they are cramming too full of junk, not to mention the sexual assualt angle. Maxima showing up couldn't stood as a strong story, but now it just feels like the episode is all over the place. The one reason I'm dreading Prey is that I think they are going to use that episode to make it seem like Clark is wrong, which any number of characters will be more then happy to point out to Clark, and yet we'll know he's right. I find that crap irritating.

I'm also hoping to find my way back to Chloe love this season, but so far, it isn't looking too good.

Okay, I'll be a shameless Yeti-Tom apologist!! lol.I may be the only one, but maybe Tom is making himself scarce to better transition from Smallville to the movies. After all, being the star of a sci-fi TV show is a kiss of death to the career of many actors. I'll take a bizarre example but Celine Dion for instance, started her career at 13 and she was always popular in Quebec, but she took a year off from the public to transition from "teenage singer" to "adult singer" and then she made a big comeback.But I don't see that the showrunners want to promote Clark/Tom that much either. After all, what pic did they send to TV Guide to promote Odyssey? A big JL pic! Same for the Smallville magazine when we get 3 lines top about Clark and Tom. It can't be just retaliation IMO ("if he doesn't want to talk, then we won't talk about him" à la Craig). I think it's also the fact that tptb don't see their future in him, since he wants to do movies after Smallville.

As for talk shows, well, yes, I sure hope he will get in a talk show but in general talk show hosts want artists that have something new to talk about like a project.

Also, summer is really not a good time to promote, everyone is on vacation. And he may surprise us, remember those Vogue pics came upon us like thunder in a blue sky.

Gawd!! You know what? I really believe myself! *g* (But I totally want an interview with him or something.)

I've actually considered the same thing...that Tom may have decided to fly under the radar in hopes that he will avoid typecasting, and will more easily move into other roles. The problem is that I don't think thats a sound stragedy at this point. Maybe if the show hadn't run so long, or maybe if Tom was active in other projects during his hiatus. But to totally go underground, almost, then hope to emerge with the career in a good place? I just can't believe an agent is advising him thats a good idea. Because it just isn't.

I think it goes without saying that AlMiles had totally lost interest in Tom, and the character he plays. I'm not seeing much from PS3 to suggest any interest in Tom specifically, but at least they seem more into Clark. Thats 1 positive step. We'll see how it plays out.

And why shouldn't you believe yourself? You make some very sound, very rational points :)

Hi! It's me again. How are you? I'll apologize in advance but I'll comment quickly! I'm trying not to read every spoiler that I can so I won't comment on the specific episodes. I will say that bringing in the Justice League, Maxima and the Legion is wrong IMO. It'll take away from Clark, unless they actually do a good job of having him in most scenes and being heroic. I believe that bringing in DC characters so that people will watch is the wrong approach. This is Clark's journey, he doesn't have to meet every damn DC character.

I watched the comic-con panel on youtube and I thought Justin was great as usual. I wasn't surprised that Tom wasn't there, but what DID surprise me was that Erica was nowhere to be seen. In fact she hasn't gone to any event this entire summer, including any of the CW upfronts. And you're right, usually she's much more willing than Tom. Do you think she's taking a page out of his book and not promoting the show because she's unhappy? I wouldn't be surprised, she's being underutilized...even if she has a lot of screentime in the first five episodes of season 8. Her contract is the same right now and after four years that must be annoying. I wonder if Tom and Erica talk to each other about this stuff? Unless Erica was simply filming something else and didn't have time...

I'm of 2 minds on the DC character thing. I do believe it can be done well, and add to the series, and Clark's journey. But, on the other hand, SV has a habit of not doing a lot of things well, particularly when it comes to keeping the focus on Clark. My biggest issues probably surround the JLA, and Oliver, because I believe thats been handled terribly in regards to Clark. I do hold out some hope that they'll be correcting some of the mistakes they made previously, going by the spoilers. The role reversal between Clark and Oliver is a good start.

I thought Maxima could be a fun character to bring in, but I'm not liking what I'm hearing. If she's just another hypno-'ho, why bother? And honestly, I know nothing about the Legion, so I can't form any sort of opinion on that. I am happy to hear that its being written by a comic book writer who, apparently, writes Clark very well. I'm hoping that carries over onto the show.

I think it goes without saying that they need to use DC characters to enhance and support Clark's story, not take the focus off of him.

I've also wondered whats going on with Erica. Could she be less then happy? I think its possible. If I were in her position, and I'd been with the show for going on 4 years, I think I'd be pretty pissed off that they didn't up my episodes, especially when losing 3 major characters. I think that sort of sucks for her. She's earned the full ride.

I agree that Erica has certainly earned the full contract as well so hopefully she gets a couple of more episodes this season. I, too know nothing about the Legion but it is a legion after all...won't there have to be at least two or three new characters introduced in one episode? That doesn't bode well for Clark. I agree that Tom's not being intelligent about his career...which frightens me and leads me to think that he doesn't care about what happens after Smallville. Sigh. Surely, Tom must know that his fans went insane (including myself) when the Vogue photos were released? I still have the picture of Tom in a tuxedo carrying Maryna (the model) who's in a red dress on my desktop; it's been there for over three months now. I just think it's SO freaking hot. I think it would be great for Tom to go to a premiere when he has a break from filming...dressed in a suit to differentiate from Clark. He needs to look past SV and look to the future. If he goes to an unrelated premiere then he’s promoting himself instead of Smallville. Unfortunately, I don’t think he cares that much…

The CW is terrible at promoting their most loyal shows. It's honestly like a mother fawning over her beautiful, blond girl (Gossip Girl) while ignoring her equally beautiful and talented dark-haired boys (Smallville and Supernatural). I don't want to call Dawn Ostroff names, but obviously she doesn't know what she's doing. Why limit your demographic to women 13 to 36 or whatever? She doesn't appreciate SV or SPN, which is unfortunate. I don't hate Gossip Girl or even 90210 (yet), I don't think they’re bad shows. I don't like them because of the ridiculous amount of promotion that they get. Have you seen the general CW promos on Supernatural Fans Online? There are glimpses of Smallville and Supernatural in them, but it's from the episodes. I believe Supernatural has new episode stills as well...but yes promos would be sweet, especially for Smallville and it's last year. I hope they're able to finish this season before the CW folds. Oh, I just remembered that Gossip Girl may be getting 23 or 24 episodes this season because of the strike. I take it back, screw the CW and Gossip Girl! Thanks for letting me rant again Valerie.

Again, I have to say that I don't think its necessarily a bad thing to introduce new DC characters into SV for an episode, or even two. Its just a matter of how they are used, and ensuring that they support and enhance Clark's storyline, and not eclipse it. Will that happen this season? It remains to be seen whether PS3 are better at doing that then AlMiles were.

I've often thought that Tom just doesn't much care about the career thing as a whole. He seems rather ambivalent about the whole thing, and that makes me fear that he may choose to withdraw from show biz. What an enormous loss if he does.

From what I understand, Dawn not only doesn't care about SV and SPN, she actually dislikes both shows and the fact that they are holdovers from the WB. Which she was never involved in. I only hope that both SV and SPN continue to outperform her "babies", and her lame ass gets fired. I have no issues with calling her names. I think she's a stupid bitch. Me=Evol!

I'm so disappointed there aren't any promos. And I was really surprised not to see Erica at the last con ... it's not like her to pull out. She's going to be doing one with Justin later, I heard though.

I especially love the hints of a role reversal between him and Oliver. I've said for a long time that the only acceptable way for the Oliver character to become a regular was for Clark to take more of a leadership position in their relationship.

That will definitely be interesting. And it's very realistic too. I'm definitely looking forward to Clark taking charge. :D

And Lois revisiting her feelings for Oliver better not start up the Lollie again. I don't think there's any need for that.

I feel the same way. I think Lollie was amazing while it lasted ... Justin and Erica had great chemistry. But they had the right ending in "Siren" ... they shouldn't ruin it. I hope they can be friends though. :)

Maxima kissing more then one guy, and using her powers to seduce Clark, which Lois walks in

I think Lois walking in could be potentially humorous but the using the powers thing takes me back to Simone. And we all know how we feel about that one. :\

The Hydro kiss resulted in hilarity so maybe it will be something like that? For the Clois one, I mean.

And I love that Clark has the right instincts. Maybe it will lead him to investigating on his own and proving everyone wrong. That'd be WIN! If they pull a "oh, Clark, you're jealous" thing though, I will hurt someone.

Done rambling now. :D

I can't wait to see your s2 totals!

And the Olympics are awesome. I love Michael Phelps and I know what you mean about Aaron Piersol ... he's adorable!

Something just seems up with Erica. I'm not sure what it is, but things just seem off with her. I hope she's not being treated badly. God knows it makes my blood boil when I learned that they treated Tom like crap. I'd hate to think it extended beyond him.

I'm probably one of the few people that didn't think Lollie was all that wonderful, or that ED & JH had anything beyond workable chemistry. But I realize thats subjective. I just believe that SV has to stop having almost every relationship repeat the same tired patterns of breaking up, getting back together, rinse, repeat. Its very soap-ish, and very boring.

And Yay for you showing love for my Aaron. Michael was totally amazing, but I feel a little bad for the other excellent swimmers who got a little overshadowed.

Hi! *waves* I'm just finding my way back to LJ myself, and it's so good to see you here, too! Along with being crazed at work, I've been enjoying the Olympics as well. Those swimmers are just incredible! I loved Michael Phelps' 7th gold, the one he won by the tiniest possible fraction of a second. That was so exciting, and such a fitting way to tie Mark Spitz's record.

I think starry_dawn's suggestion of a LJ community is perfect for your screentime project. She always has great ideas!

I just can't believe they're not doing new promo pics for S8. It makes no sense. And the fans aren't the only ones noticing the deplorable lack of promotion for SV and SPN. I've already seen several articles on the web that mention it, and numerous comments all over the place about how old the promos we have are. I mean, the CW is using promo images from S4 to promote the Lois and Clark focus in S8! Meanwhile, the CW continues to hemorrhage money promoting GG and 90210. Idiots.

Craig put new photos on his wish list for S8, and then said "word on the street is that new shots have been taken," but he may have been referring to that same blurb on the TVG site that we all saw. Otherwise I think he would have said something like "I've been told" or something like that.

And yeah, I'm frustrated with Tom, too, but obviously he just doesn't care. *sighs* Sometimes I just don't get him. Craig basically says he has such an aversion to interviews he can't even force himself to go through with them, but he has seemed perfectly at ease, not to mention funny, witty, and utterly charming, in every interview I've ever seen with him. Am I supposed to believe that was all acting? He's generous with charities, but can't be bothered to make a single public appearance to promote his show or make his fans happy. In fact, he doesn't seem to even remember he has fans. OTOH, he seemed to have fun posing for the photographers at the Met event. I don't know what to think, but my overall impression is that he couldn't care less about having an acting career after Smallville. There doesn't seem to be an ounce of self-promotion in the man.

I've read all the spoilers, but since I try to stay away from speculation (it ties me up in knots), I can't remember the specific details for all the episodes. In general, I'm very encouraged by what I've heard, and I'm totally up for S8. As usual, I'm just going to wait and see. Everything has the potential to be really good or really bad, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best. I am looking forward to writing about the show again.

As far as Erica's absence, I wondered if maybe Allison is kind of taking her place on the interview circuit. Whether the show runners are trying to capitalize on AM's popularity, or she's demanding the exposure, I can see where having both of them at the Con could have brought out the worst in some fans. Chloiser/Cloiser feuding has reached new depths this summer, IMO. Anyway, as always, the emphasis is on the shiny new toys. This year Allison seems to be the one returning regular cast member in the mix rather than Erica. Or maybe Erica's just busy. IDK.

And thank you for the beautiful Clark cap. That's one of my favorite moments from the episode.

I've missed you! I look forward to talking about the new episodes with you almost as much as I look forward to watching them!

Oh, that was an unbelievable race!! Also, the 4x100 relay. Jason Lezak was Da Man!!! I love the swimming stuff.

The truth is that I'm not at all familiar with how to start a new lj community. Maybe someone could share their knowledge with me? *Please*

Tom is a mystery, wrapped in an enigma, with a side of gravy! I really don't know whats going on with him, and he's so completely shut off from any sort of fandom. I just don't think he can have a successful career post-SV unless he changes his stragedy. But does he care enough to?

I had wondered if, in the rush to sign AM and please her, they may have shafted ED. Whether intentionally, or inadvertently. Its just this strange vibe I'm getting. And yeah, its a real shame that some parts of the fandom can't seem to behave themselves at all.

I've missed you too!! It seems like we've both spent too much time away from our lj's. Life has some nerve, getting in the way like that ;)

It just sucks, and its so frustrating. Imagine being a solid performer on your network...one of the only ones...and yet still getting your budget slashed, and totally getting the shaft in promotion?

Truthfully, I don't even know why the SV peeps were so anxious to keep going under those conditions. If the CW was going to cut the budget and treat the show like crap, I don't understand why the production company didn't just say "Thanks, but no thanks", and call it a day.

Glad to hear the renovations are done! And the end results worked out well and good too. :-)

I've been trying to keep up with the Olympics mania, but it's not always easy to do so here, where I am. But credit to the bf, who I don't know ::how:: is finding time to keep up with as many telecasts/games as he is---and then proceeding to update me as well. Heh.

As for the TW debate. ::sighs:: How we adore him, yet how he mystifies us. On the one hand, ITA. I'm incredibly frustrated at not being able to get his opinions, his thoughts on the show - in quite a long while. There's just zip, nada. OTOH, I think, well, I guess there must be some reason behind his total lack of SV promotion, since he did recently do the social networking thing at the Met event, and also the Vogue shoot. Not to mention he used to be far more involved in giving SV related interviews and doing SV related promotion right up until the first half of S6. But since then---it's wierd. It really is like this sudden 'STOP.' It's like certain elements (either the direction of the show, Goughlar) just completely turned him off so much he just can't be asked anymore.

And it's that same sense of 'weaning away' that I'm now getting off ED. Of course this is nothing more than spec, but if it is due to her feeling shafted, I don't know whether I can blame her entirely. For someone who's been on the show four years now, is entering her fifth, has soldiered through any and all shitty storylines thrown at her, she really deserved an upping of her contract.

It is a little disappointing that we haven't heard ::anything:: S8 related from them at all. It's been all either the newbies, or AM.

As for the specific eps, I may have missed some details on some of them, but on the whole, I'm still really looking forward to Clark at the DP. Getting to (hopefully) see the reporter/investigator side of him is potentially very interesting to me. I'm also looking forward to him working with Lois, because I think it'll bring out that smart, proactive aspect of the character where he's going to have to use his smarts to balance the tightrope of investigating/partnering, yet protecting the secret. It might lead to some fun situations and any storyline that allows Clark to remember he does indeed have a functioning brain is A-OK with me.

I'm also not wholly averse to the JL, but I'm wary, because the writers have to do right by Clark. I'm open to it though.

I love that they'll have MM back, too. I honestly feel he can be a great presence on the show, if they'll just utlize him!

I think there's potential in the Clark/Tess interaction. It has to be handled well, but I think it could be interesting especially if/when more is unraveled about Tess.

I also like the sound of Lois getting more cases, stories. I hope they do right by her as well.

Now, what am I not looking forward to? Well, the 'ship madness, for one. I'm just not interested in the very many romantic trials and tribulations of Chloe Sullivan. I don't care for Chimmy. Like yourself, I'm one of the few that didn't think ED and JH burned up the screens together and just do not want Lollie redux. It's extranneous and is another element that will needlessly take away screentime from Clark. I'm OK with elements of Chlark being revisited if it doesn't take up too much unnecessary time and especially if it might put an end to certain matters once and for all. Clois can go either way too, for me. I'd love to see it being handled the way it has been for the most part since S6/S7, but they need more interaction if any impact is expected to remain with the viewer. Plus, any development on their part needs to not be done at the expense of either character, particularly Clark.

I'm not particularly interested in Chloe's 'superpowers' or her 'mother teresa' role either. And I'll be honest, I'm still quite concerned about Davis/Doomsday-to-be. Jimmy, I can tolerate if he'll be removed from the 'ships angle, but I don't see that happening, so that's another sore spot. He really needs more interaction with Clark.

So, ya, after that excessively long post, heh. That's where I pretty much stand on the spoilers. I so ::want:: to love S8, but this is SV we're talking about---

And it's that same sense of 'weaning away' that I'm now getting off ED.

Me too. And I don't really have much to base that on, except for the fact that Erica has always been so enthusiastic, and put herself out there to promote the show in some way. But this year? Absolutely nothing, to include her not attending Comic Con, and cancelling another upcoming appearance. There are about 100 reasons why that could be, of course. But I wonder...

And its not like she has to look very far for an example when there is Tom. I truthfully don't care about Tom not promoting SV, because I think he's been treated with less regard and respect then he deserves, and I think he's more then justified in feeling that his character has been mishandled. But I do care that Tom isn't promoting himself, because I want him to have a career when SV is done!!

I'm also looking forward to him working with Lois, because I think it'll bring out that smart, proactive aspect of the character where he's going to have to use his smarts to balance the tightrope of investigating/partnering, yet protecting the secret.

Thats how I feel too. Going back and watching the earlier seasons, Clark working with people who didn't know about him often forced him to do things for himself, or show some smarts to get things done without giving himself away. And I'm hoping they find a way to work that back into the show. I also just like the idea of Clark having a grown up job, and going to work everyday.

The 'ship stuff is just so tiresome at this point. Its the last season (and yes, I believe that!). Is it really so much to ask to have that lame-o stuff on the very, very backburner? I don't think so.

A bit less for Supernatural, because I love the show but I don't LOVE the show quite the same way I do for Smallville. Its like my relationship with Supernatural is fun, and easy, and full of laughs, but ultimately its not very deep. With Smallville, its more like my relationship with the show is complicated, and passionate, and aggravating, and frustrating beyond words. But it stirs me up like nothing else. I think you just summed up my feelings for Smallville *G*. I was watching The Dark Knight, and I just kept thinking of this damn show. "Wow, Bruce really *is Lex with hair,and either I'm going crazy or Rosenbaum and Bale, look alike, wow Cillian Murphy looks like Tommy, and wow I have not gotten over that show at all"

As for the spoilers, I hope Clark hasn't got amnesia, even though it would make sence I hope he regains his memory of what happened in the fortress,and I hope that the CLex relationship still resonates, into this season and I hope he remembers that Lex *did * hestitate.

As for Chloe, well it's like you said the girls have all accused him of being jealous, or have interpreted his hunches about the men that way. They do seem to lose faith in him alot when it comes to the new men in their lives don't they?

One of my geeky fantasies is getting to see Tom play Superman, and Christian Bale play Bruce Wayne in the same film. I know it won't ever happen, but I think its would be awesome, and the actors are age appropriate for each other.

I'm sure Clark will regain his memory during the course of Odyssey, but I think we'll start the episode with him having amnesia. Its really the only good reason for him not to have found a way to get home.

They do seem to lose faith in him alot when it comes to the new men in their lives don't they?

Yeah they do, and its pretty much sucked each and every time, because it makes the girls seem like ninnies with short term memory loss. I'm not just pinning this on Chloe alone, I'm just particularly disappointed that this might come to pass with her character in S8. I am hoping it will play better then it sounds.